Sketch released of Wilmington sex assault suspect

Police have released a sketch of a man who dragged a jogger into an alley and sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as a 35 to 55-year-old white male, about 5'10 to 6'2, and 150 to 180 pounds. He was wearing a dark scarf, dark sweater and dark knit hat.

The sexual assault occurred last Wednesday (January 4) at approximately 5:30 p.m. along the 1100 block of North Rodney Street in Wilmington.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Ron Mullin at (302) 576-3634.

Police say the female victim is new to the area and told police the man hit her, dragged her into an alleyway and sexually assaulted her.

"This is the first incident we've had so we wanted to get out in the neighborhood and let people know immediately to just be aware of their surroundings, especially if they're out jogging," Wilmington Police Captain Nancy Dietz said, as flyers were being handed out in the area last Thursday.

The victim survived, but her neighbors say the incident has definitely put them on edge.

"I'm always looking around to see if anybody's here or lurking in the shadows if I can, and I always try to get into the house as fast as I can," Leanne Bonarigo said.

The neighborhood is made up of mostly private homes, apartments and professional offices. Residents and visitors say they generally feel safe and were surprised to hear of the assault.

"I myself am a single parent with four children. We have a lot of young people, young women who run around jogging, and it's very scary to know that this could happen in our neighborhood," said Stacy Cerasol.

Neighbors say they have noticed an increase in police patrol on the street.

"I think it's great," resident John Bonarigo said. "It is how it should be; I think we all need to be involved with whatever goes on."